Smartwatch BLE Role Switching for Multi-Smartphone Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Smartwatches with limited battery capacity face significant power consumption issues when connecting to multiple smartphones due to the need to function as a central in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, which requires frequent scanning for advertisement signals.
Innovation Solution
Configuring smartwatches to operate as peripherals that transmit advertisement signals at longer intervals and switch to central mode for scanning at shorter intervals, allowing them to connect to multiple smartphones while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the smartwatch functions as a central device to connect to multiple smartphones, then the connection versatility is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The smartwatch dynamically switches between peripheral and central roles based on connection needs. When connecting to a smartphone, it operates as a peripheral with low power consumption. When needing to connect to multiple devices, it switches to central mode with adjusted scanning intervals, optimizing the balance between versatility and power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic scanning at different intervals depending on the operational mode. In central mode, the smartwatch performs scanning at optimized intervals (shorter than advertisement signal transmission periods) to detect multiple devices while managing power consumption through rhythmic, controlled detection cycles.
2Speed
If the smartwatch scans for advertisement signals frequently to connect to multiple devices, then the connection speed is improved, but the battery capacity depletes quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning interval is dynamically adjusted based on the operational context. When in peripheral mode, scanning is minimized. When in central mode connecting to multiple devices, scanning intervals are optimized to balance detection speed with power conservation, extending battery duration while maintaining connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scanning parameter (time interval) based on the operational mode and connection status. By adjusting the scanning interval to be shorter than the advertisement signal transmission period only when necessary, the system achieves fast connection speeds when needed while preserving battery life during normal operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the smartwatch operates as a peripheral device, then the power consumption is reduced, but the ability to initiate connections to multiple devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The smartwatch employs dynamic role switching between peripheral and central modes. As a peripheral, it consumes minimal power and receives connections. When connection initiation to multiple devices is needed, it transitions to central mode with optimized scanning parameters, providing the necessary versatility while maintaining low power consumption during peripheral operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a system that includes a first electronic device, a second electronic device, and a third electronic device, in which the method includes: transmitting, by the first processor, a wireless signal, which is a signal repetitively output at a time interval including at least a first time interval, via the first communication device; connecting, by the second processor, the first electronic device and the second electronic device via the second communication device, based on scanning for the wireless signal; and scanning, by the first processor, for the wireless signal for connecting with the third electronic device, repetitively at a time interval including at least a second time interval shorter than the first time interval, based on the connection between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.